Distributor assembly for sheet sorting device

ABSTRACT

A sheet sorting device is disclosed which is particularly useful in direct or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;in line&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; cooperation with a copier or duplicator. The sheet sorting device includes a distributor for distributing the sheets one at a time or as signatures into multiple individual bins or receiver trays ready for binding or other handling. The distributor includes multiple deflector mechanisms which are individually and sequentially triggered from a first position in the path of a moving sheet being conveyed such that, on deflection of the sheets into the bin, the momentum of the moving sheet striking the deflector mechanism initiates movement thereof which, aided by a positive assist force carries it to a second position permitting a subsequent moving sheet to by-pass the bin and strike the deflector mechanism of the successive index position. Means are provided for resetting the deflector mechanisms either automatically or manually and for sensing when the last deflector mechanism has been triggered, the sensing means being operatively connected to the reset means.

United States Patent 1191 Gerbraeht 1 DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY FOR SHEETSORTING DEVICE [75] Inventor:

[52] U.S. Cl 270/58; 271/173 [51] Int. Cl B65h 39/02 [58] Field ofSearch 270/58; 271/64, 173; 209/74 [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 2,076,700 4/1937 Bryce 271/64 X 2,300,029 10/1942 Williams271/64 X 3,017,179 1/1962 Stuckcns 271/172 3,273,882 9/1966 Pearson270/58 3,304,081 2/1967 Limberger 271/64 MA X Primary E.raminerWm. H.Grieb Attorney, Agent, or FirmDowrey & Cross 1 Apr. 15, 1975 [57]ABSTRACT A sheet sorting device is disclosed which is particularlyuseful in direct or in line" cooperation with a copier or duplicator.The sheet sorting device includes a distributor for distributing thesheets one at a time or as signatures into multiple individual bins orreceiver trays ready for binding or other handling. The distributorincludes multiple deflector mechanisms which are individually andsequentially triggered from a first position in the path of a movingsheet being conveyed such that, on deflection of the sheets into thebin, the momentum of the moving sheet striking the deflector mechanisminitiates movement thereof which, aided by a positive assist forcecarries it to a second position permitting a subsequent moving sheet toby-pass the bin and strike the deflector mechanism of the successiveindex position. Means are provided for resetting the deflectormechanisms either automatically or manually and for sensing when thelast deflector mechanism has been triggered, the sensing means beingoperatively connected to the reset means.

13 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures taieit ilusa PATENTEDAPR 1 1915 3,877. 693

DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY FOR SHEET SORTING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION I. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a sheetsorting device having a distributor assembly employed therewith fordelivering sheets one at a time into a plurality of individual bins orreceiver trays.

2. Prior Art Relating to the Disclosure Sorting and collating devicessuch as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3.356.362 are relatively large in sizeand dependent upon complex mechanical and electrical components capableof high speed operation. These units generally employ a large number ofdeflecting stations or receiver bins. Sorter devices are also knownwhich have multiple deflector finger mechanisms to deflect sheets duringtheir course through the machine onto respective shelves or bins. Thesedeflector finger mechanisms are individually and sequentially triggeredby solenoid devices or by a tripping bar which progresses from onefinger to the next responsive to the passage of each deflected sheetthrough a control mechanism as disclosed in the US. Pat No. 3.273.882.These units necessarily must include a relatively complex controlmechanism and are expensive to manufacture. A sheet sorting deviceemploying a traveling single deflector mechanism has been developed asdisclosed in US Pat. No. 3.561.753. This deflector mechanism is stilldependent. however. on a complex control and indexing system to channelthe incoming sheets on the conveyor to the proper receiver bins. Itstill remains a problem to provide a sheet sorter of relatively smallcapacity for use with available copiers and duplicators which can bemanufactured economically and which furnishes substantially maintenancefree operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a sheet sortingdevice. particularly useful in direct or in line" cooperation withcopiers and duplicators. which accepts sheets from a printer. processingmachine. feeder. copier. duplicator. or by hand. one sheet at a time oras signatures in multiples ofthe book or document in a plurality ofindividual bins or receiver trays ready for binding or other handling.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a sheet sortingdevice of the vertical conveyor type wherein the deflector fingermechanism of the distributor assembly is greatly simplified. essentiallymaintenance free. economical to manufacture and operate and does notrequire a complex control system for satisfactory operation.

Another object of this inventionis to provide a sheet sorting deviceemploying a deflector finger mechanism adjacent each receiver shelf orbin which is sequentially triggered on impact of a moving sheetdeflected into the bin associated with the finger mechanism to permitpassage of the next sheet to the subsequent receiver bins.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sheet sorting devicewhich can handle a fairly wide range of sizes of sheets and weights ofpaper.

A further object of this invention is to provide a sheet sorting devicehaving a manually or automatically controlled reset means for thedeflector mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a partial perspective viewof the sorting device illustrating a partial view of the distributorincorporating the deflector finger mechanism of this invention and apartial view of the upright receiver having one or more verticalcolumns. shelves or bins for storage of sorted sheets of paper or othersuitable material delivered thereinto in proper order by thedistributor;

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a reset mechanism for the deflectorfinger mechanisms of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of a deflector finger mechanism employingan over-center air cam;

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a deflector finger mechanism employingan over-center spring;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a deflector mechanismincorporating an over-center elastomeric band;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a deflector finger mechanismincorporating an over-center weight. and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sheet sorting device having adistributor incorporating the deflector finger mechanism of thisinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 8, the sortingdevice in general comprises a distributor 10 operating in repeatingcycles and an upright receiver 30 mounted at the rear of the distributorand having one or more vertical columns or shelves or bins for storageof sorted sheets of paper 35 or other suitable material deliveredthereinto in proper order by the distributor. These shelves are arrangedto be fed from the front by the distributor and manually emptied whensorting of the document is complete. The various sheets sorted or fed inreverse order by a printer or duplicator (not shown) are delivered onesheet at a time or as signatures onto a table (not shown) at the rear ofthe distributor. From there they are con veyed rearwardly as indicatedby the arrows in FIG. 8 and then run a downward course fronting aselected column of the receiver shelves. During their downward coursethe sheets are deflected onto respective of the shelves by respectivedeflector units. Contrary to the deflector mechanisms of the prior artthese deflector units are sequentially triggered during each cycle bythe impact of the downwardly coursing sheets against the deflectorfinger or fingers of the unit. the momentum of the moving sheet strikingthe deflector fingers imparting sufficient momentum which. together witha positive assist. carries them to a second position permitting asubsequent moving sheet to strike the deflector unit of the successiveindex position.

Referring to FIG. 1 the distributor section 10 includes generally asingle tape conveyor 11 for conveying sheets and a series of deflectorfinger mechanisms positioned adjacent each one of the shelves 32 of thereceiver 30. The conveyor tape 11 (partially illustrated in FIG. 1) istrained about upper and lower drums as disclosed in US. Pat. No.3.561.753 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.The lower drum is suitably driven by an electric motor or other suitablepower means with the upper drum driven by the conveyor belt 11. The belt11 may be a rubber or plastic impregnated fabric belt or other suitableconventional belting provided with longitudinally staggered or offsetperforations 12 along each lateral edge.

The belt. on its vertical course adjacent to bins 32, passes over avacuum plenum in the form of a hollow rectangular channel 13 closed atits top and back side but open at its front to the underside of the belt11. The chamber 13 is supported as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3561.753and is connected to a vacuum hose leading from a vacuum pump. Ratherthan the arrangement shown. the conveying assembly may include twoparallel tape converyors or a single wide conveyor.

The sheets 36 entering the infeed section ofthe sheet sorting device(see FIG. 8) are directed downwardly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,561,753 onto the vertical course of the conveyor tape ll. Flexiblebands 14 having one end connected at the upper end of the frame of thesorter and the other at the lower end are provided for holding thedownwardly moving sheets against the conveyor tape 11. Two of thesetapes 14 are provided in the present embodiment.

The receiver 30 includes a number of shelves 32 supported in a frame 33.Nose pieces 31 at the front and an integral lip (not shown) at the rearare attached to the frame. The nose pieces 31 may be of extrudedaluminum and are generally V-shaped in cross-sections with the apex 31cat the front, one horizontal end 31a and one flange 31b slopingdownwardly and rearwardly.

Adjacent the entrance of each of the receiver shelves are mounteddeflector units. Each of the deflector units includes a transverse shaft16 extending the width of and journalled in the respective ends of thedistributor frame 17 for rotation about its axis. On each shaft aresecured spaced fingers 18. Each of the fingers has a forwardly extendingsurface l8u depicting a partial circumference ofa circle which, in thedeflecting position deflects sheets moving downwardly along the conveyortape I1 into the shelf associated with and adjacent to the deflectorunit. The deflector fingers are mounted so as to rock between adeflecting position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 4 to 7. In thenondeflecting position the sheets moving down the conveyor tape 11by-pass the deflector unit. The deflector fingers are mounted on shaft16 such that, on impact of the moving sheet against the upper surface18a of the deflector fingers in the deflecting position the momentumimparted by the sheets striking the upper surface 18a overcomes theinertia of the finger unit and sets it in clockwise motion. Once initialmotion of the deflector finger unit toward the non-deflecting positionoccurs, the deflector finger unit is assisted in its movement to thenon-deflecting position by a positive force acting on the unit. This maybe accomplished in a number of ways as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to 7,including magnetic catch means (FIGS. 1 and 2), an over-center air cam(FIG. 4), an over-center spring (FIG. 5), an over-center elastomericband (FIG. 6), or over-center weight. The deflector fingers of each unitare adjusted so that the moving sheets striking them are diverted intothe bin or shelf associated therewith before the deflector unit moves tothe non-deflecting position.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the use of magnetic catch means to provide apositive force assisting movement by the deflector unit to thenon-deflecting position. In the embodiment shown a magnet 19 is mountedabove and forward of the shaft 16 of each deflector unit. A pairedmagnet 20 is secured to the shaft 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so that,in the deflecting position, the opposite poles 19a and 20a of themagnets 19 and 20 are sufficiently far apart that there is minimalattraction. On impact of the moving sheet against the deflector fingersof the deflector unit the deflecting fingers move clockwise bringing thepole 20a of magnet 20 closer to pole 19a of magnet 19 so that the forceof attraction between the magnets provides a positive assist to continuethe movement of the deflector unit to the non-deflecting position asillustrated by FIG. 2. The units are held in the non-deflecting positionby magnetic attraction of magnets 19 and 20.

An over-center air cam is illustrated in FIG. 4. An air conduit 23provided with spaced nozzles 22 directs pressurized air or other gasagainst the undersurface of one or more of the deflecting fingers 18 ofeach deflector unit. The undersurface of the deflecting finger 18 isprovided with a surface 21a which, relative to the upper surface of thefinger slopes downwardly from a point about midway from the leading edgeand joins at apex 21b an upwardly and rearwardly sloping surface 210. Inthe deflecting position shown in solid lines in FIG. 4 pressurized gasexiting through nozzle 22 impinges against surface 21a with sufficientforce to hold the deflector unit in the deflecting position. The forceexerted against surface 21a is adjusted so that, on impingement of amoving sheet against the upper surface of the deflecting fingers of theunit the momentum imparted to the unit is sufficient to move the apex21b of the deflecting finger or fingers past the stream of pressurizedgas so that the gas then impinges against surface 21b and provides apositive force to continue movement of the deflecting fingers of theunit to the nondeflecting position as illustrated by the dotted lines inFIG. 4.

In FIG. 5 one or more of the deflector fingers of each deflector unithas a spring 24 secured between a transverse member 25 and the rearsurface ofa deflector finger 18. The spring is mounted such that, whenthe deflector finger unit is in the deflecting position shown in FIG. 5in solid lines the spring aids in retaining the unit. However, on impactof a moving sheet of paper against the upper surface 18a of thedeflector fingers of the unit the deflector fingers and shaft moveclockwise an amount such that the spring 24 provides a positive forcecontinuing movement of the deflector finger unit to the non-deflectingposition shown in dotted lines. The size of the spring for the size andweight of paper to be used can be determined by one skilled in the art.

In FIG. 6 an elastomeric band 27 is secured between a crank 28 on theend of shaft 16 and a pin 29 secured to the frame 17 to provide apositive assist to continue.

movement of the unit to the non-deflecting position. Once movement ofthe deflector finger unit is started by impact of a moving sheetthereagainst the elastomeric band exerts a positive force on shaft 16 torotate it to the position shown in dotted lines.

In FIG. 7 a weight 37 is secured to the rear of one or more of thedeflector fingers of-each deflector unit in a position such that, oninitial movement of the deflector finger unit toward the non-deflectingposition the center of gravity of the deflector unit is sufficientlychanged to provide a positive force to continue movement of thedeflector finger unit to the non'deflecting position shown in dottedlines.

The deflector finger units are reset from the nondeflecting position tothe deflecting position by a reset mechanism. one embodiment of which isillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. The reset mechanism illustrated comprisesa vertical shaft 34 to which are secured at right angles L-shapedmembers 35. These members are secured at spaced intervals to the shaftsuch that when the shaft 16 of each of the deflector units is rotatedclockwise to rotate the deflector fingers to the nondeflecting position.the crank end of the shaft 161! as illustrated in FIG. 1 contacts theunderside of the L- shaped member as shown in FIG. 3 in dotted lines.When the vertical shaft is pulled down the respective shafts 16 of eachof the deflector finger units is rotated counterclockwise to repositionthe deflector fingers of each unit in the deflecting position. Resettingthe deflector finger units may be accomplished manually orautomatically. If automatic operation is desired a sensing mechanism isdisposed near the lower one of the shelves in the path of the sheetmoving into the last shelf to sense when the last of the deflectorfinger units has been moved to the non-deflecting position. Once this issensed the sensor operates a solenoid mechanism or other mechanicalorelectrical mechanism to reset the deflecting finger units to theirdeflecting position for the next cycle. As shown in FIG. 1 the L-shapedmembers are rotatable in a horizontal plane about the axis of shaft 34so that predetermined ones of the receiver trays may be by-passed.

The embodiments of the invention in which a particular property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A sheet sorting device for delivering sheets in succession to aplurality of spaced receiver stations comprising;

a conveyor for moving sheets in succession along a course opposite thereceiver stations,

deflector units opposite each receiver station and adjacent theconveyor. each deflector unit having at least one deflector fingercarried thereby.

means mounting each deflector unit for movement of its deflector fingerbetween a first deflecting position in the path of the moving sheetsbeing conveyed along the conveyor to deflect a moving sheet into thereceiver station associated therewith and a second non-deflectingposition permitting a subsequent moving sheet to bypass the receiverstation and strike the deflector finger of the deflector unit of thesuccessive station, said mounting means mounting the deflector unitssuch that, upon impact of a moving sheet against the associateddeflector fingers. sufficient momentum is imparted thereto to initiatemovement thereof to the second position,

assist means associated with each of the deflector units providing apositive force to assist movement of the associated deflector fingerfrom the deflecting to the non-deflecting position only after initialimpact and movement of the deflector unit caused by impact of the movingsheet and reset means to reset selected ones of said deflector unitsfrom the non-deflecting position to the deflecting position.

2. The sheet sorting device of claim 1 wherein the assist means includesmeans directing a pressurized gas to the underside of one or moredeflector fingers of the deflector unit, the undersurface of the fingeragainst which the gas is impinged having a configuration such that. inthe deflecting position the gas provides a positive force against thefinger to retain it in the deflecting position and on impact of a movingsheet causing rotation of the deflector unit. the air provides apositive force to continue movement of the unit to the nondeflectingposition.

3. The sheet sorting device of claim 1 wherein the assist means includesa weight mounted on one or more deflector fingers providing a positiveforce against the deflector finger to retain it in the deflectingposition and. on impact ofa moving sheet causing movement of thedeflector unit toward the non-deflecting position providing a positiveforce to continue movement of the deflector unit to the non-deflectingposition.

4. The sheet sorting device of claim 1 including; control means foroperating said reset means. said control means including sensing meansfor sensing the passage of a sheet into a selected one of the stationsand operatively connected to activate the reset means.

5. The sheet sorting device of claim 1 wherein said mounting meansincludes a frame and said deflector unit comprises a shaft rotatablymounted on the frame and extending essentially transverse to itsassociated receiver station. and a plurality of deflector fingersmounted at spaced intervals on the shaft.

6. The sheet sorting device of claim 5 wherein the assist means includesbias means connected between one or more of the deflector fingers of thedeflector unit and the frame providing a positive force against thedeflector finger to retain it in the deflecting position and. on impactof a moving sheet causing movement of the deflector unit toward thenon-deflecting position, providing a positive force to continue movementof the deflector unit to the non-deflecting position.

7. The sheet sorting device of claim 5 wherein the assist means includesan elastomeric band extending between the frame and the shaft of thedeflector unit providing a positive force against the deflector fingerto retain it in the deflecting position and. on impact of a moving sheetcausing movement of the deflector unit toward the non-deflectingposition. providing a positive force to continue movement of thedeflector unit to the non-deflecting position.

8. A sheet sorting device for deliverying sheets in succession to aplurality of spaced receiver stations comprising;

sheet conveyor means for moving sheets along a course of travel oppositesaid receiver station. deflector units located in said course of travelassociated with each receiver station.

mounting means mounting each deflector unit for movement between adeflecting position in the path of the moving sheets along the course oftravel to deflect the sheets into the receiver station associatedtherewith and a second position away from the path of the moving sheetsto permit passage thereof to a subsequent receiver station, meansassociated with said deflector units to provide a positive forceassisting movement of the deflector unit from the deflecting position tothe non-deflecting position only after the momentum of a moving sheetstriking the deflector unit overcomes the inertia of the unit to startit moving to the nondeflecting position. and

means to reset selected ones of the deflector units from thenon-deflecting position to the deflecting position.

9. A sheet sorting device for delivering sheets in succession to aplurality of spaced receiver stations comprising;

a conveyor for moving sheets in succession along a course opposite thereceiver stations.

deflector units opposite each receiver station and adjacent theconveyor, each deflector unit comprising a rotatably mounted shaftextending essentially transverse to its associated receiver station. anda plurality of deflector fingers mounted at spaced intervals on theshaft.

mounting means including a frame rotatably mounting each said deflectorunits for movement of its deflector fingers between a first deflectingposition in the path of the moving sheets being conveyed along theconveyor to deflect a moving sheet into the receiver station associatedtherewith and a second non-deflecting position permitting a subsequentmoving sheet to bypass the receiver station and strike the deflectorfinger of the deflector unit of the successive station, said mountingmeans mounting the deflector units such that. upon impact of a movingsheet against the associated deflector fingers. sufficient momentum isimparted thereto to initiate movement thereof to the second position.

assist means comprising a first magnet mounted on the shaft and a secondmagnet mounted on said frame. said first and second magnets beinglocated closely adjacent to each other with their poles of attraction asufficient distance apart so as to be inoperative when the deflectorfingers are in the deflecting position and spaced such that, on rotationof the deflector finger from the deflecting position toward thenon-deflecting position caused by impact of the moving sheet against thedeflector fingers. magnetic attraction provides a positive force toassist continued movement of the deflector fingers to the non-deflectingposition,

reset means to reset selected ones of said deflector units from thenon-deflecting position to the deflecting position. and

control means for operating said reset means, said control meansincluding sensing means for sensing the passage ofa sheet into aselected one of the stations and operatively connected to activate thereset means.

10. A sheet sorting device for delivering sheets in succession to aplurality of spaced receiver stations comprising;

a sheet conveyor means for moving sheets along a course of travelopposite said receiver sations,

deflector units located in said course of travel associated with eachreceiver station.

mounting means mounting each deflector unit for movement between adeflecting position in the path of the moving sheets along the course oftravel to deflect the sheets into the receiver station associatedtherewith and a position away from the path of the moving sheets topermit passage thereof to a subsequent receiver station, said mountingmeans including magnetic means associated with each deflector unit andproviding an attractive force sufficient to move the deflector unit tothe nondeflecting position only after the momentum of a moving sheetstriking the deflector unit overcomes the inertia of the unit, and meansto reset selected ones of the deflector units from the non-deflectingposition to the deflecting position.

11. The sheet sorting device of claim 10 including; control means foroperating said reset means, said control means including sensing meansfor sensing the passage of a sheet into a selected one of the stationsand operatively connected to activate the reset means.

12. In a sheet sorting device having conveyor means for moving sheetsalong a course of travel and delivering said sheets to a receiverstation. sheet deflection means comprising;

a deflector unit located in said course of travel associated with saidreceiver station,

mounting means mounting said deflector unit for movement between adeflecting position in the path of the moving sheets to deflect a sheetinto the receiver station associated therewith,

and a position away from the path of the moving sheets to permit passagethereof, magnetic means associated with said mounting means and saiddeflector unit and providing an attractive force sufficient to move thedeflector unit to the nondeflecting position only after the momentum ofa moving sheet overcomes the inertia of the unit.

13. In a sheet sorting device having conveyor means for moving sheetsalong a course of travel and delivering said sheets to a receiverstation, sheet deflection means comprising;

a deflector unit located in said course of travel associated with saidreceiver station.

mounting means mounting said deflector unit for movement between adeflecting position in the path of the moving sheets to deflect a sheetinto the receiver station associated therewith and a position away fromthe path of the moving sheets to permit passage thereof, meansassociated with said deflector unit to provide a positive forceassisting movement to the deflector unit from the deflecting position tothe non-deflecting position only after the momentum of a moving sheetstriking the deflector' unit overcomes the inertia of the unit to startit moving to the non-deflecting position.

1. A sheet sorting device for delivering sheets in succession to aplurality of spaced receiver stations comprising; a conveyor for movingsheets in succession along a course opposite the receiver stations,deflector units opposite each receiver station and adjacent theconveyor, each deflector unit having at least one deflector fingercarried thereby, means mounting each deflector unit for movement of itsdeflector finger between a first deflecting position in the path of themoving sheets being conveyed along the conveyor to deflect a movingsheet into the receiver station associated therewith and a secondnon-deflecting position permitting a subsequent moving sheet to bypassthe receiver station and strike the deflector finger of the deflectorunit of the successive station, said mounting means mounting thedeflector units such that, upon impact of a moving sheet against theassociated deflector fingers, sufficient momentum is imparted thereto toinitiate movement thereof to the second position, assist meansassociated with each of the deflector units providing a positive forceto assist movement of the associated deflector finger from thedeflecting to the non-deflecting position only after initial impact andmovement of the deflector unit caused by impact of the moving sheet andreset means to reset selected ones of said deflector units from thenon-deflecting position to the deflecting position.
 2. The sheet sortingdevice of claim 1 wherein the assist means includes means directing apressurized gas to the underside of one or more deflector fingers of thedeflector unit, the undersurface of the finger against which the gas isimpinged having a configuration such that, in the deflecting positionthe gas provides a positive force against the finger to retain it in thedeflecting position and on impact of a moving sheet causing rotation ofthe deflector unit, the air provides a positive force to continuemovement of the unit to the non-deflecting position.
 3. The sheetsorting device of claim 1 wherein the assist means includes a weightmounted on one or more deflector fingers providing a positive forceagainst the deflector finger to retain it in the deflecting positionand, on impact of a moving sheet causing movement of the deflector unittoward the non-deflecting position providing a positive force tocontinue movement of the deflector unit to the non-deflecting position.4. The sheet sorting device of claim 1 including; control means foroperating said reset means, said control means including sensing meansfor sensing the passage of a sheet into a selected one of the stationsand operatively connected to activate the reset means.
 5. The sheetsorting device of claim 1 wherein said mounting means includes a frameand said deflector unit comprises a shaft rotatably mounted on the frameand extending essentially transverse to its associated receiver station,and a plurality of deflector fingers mounted at spaced intervals on theshaft.
 6. The sheet sorting device of claim 5 wherein the assist meansincludes bias means connected between one or morE of the deflectorfingers of the deflector unit and the frame providing a positive forceagainst the deflector finger to retain it in the deflecting positionand, on impact of a moving sheet causing movement of the deflector unittoward the non-deflecting position, providing a positive force tocontinue movement of the deflector unit to the non-deflecting position.7. The sheet sorting device of claim 5 wherein the assist means includesan elastomeric band extending between the frame and the shaft of thedeflector unit providing a positive force against the deflector fingerto retain it in the deflecting position and, on impact of a moving sheetcausing movement of the deflector unit toward the non-deflectingposition, providing a positive force to continue movement of thedeflector unit to the non-deflecting position.
 8. A sheet sorting devicefor deliverying sheets in succession to a plurality of spaced receiverstations comprising; sheet conveyor means for moving sheets along acourse of travel opposite said receiver station, deflector units locatedin said course of travel associated with each receiver station, mountingmeans mounting each deflector unit for movement between a deflectingposition in the path of the moving sheets along the course of travel todeflect the sheets into the receiver station associated therewith and asecond position away from the path of the moving sheets to permitpassage thereof to a subsequent receiver station, means associated withsaid deflector units to provide a positive force assisting movement ofthe deflector unit from the deflecting position to the non-deflectingposition only after the momentum of a moving sheet striking thedeflector unit overcomes the inertia of the unit to start it moving tothe non-deflecting position, and means to reset selected ones of thedeflector units from the non-deflecting position to the deflectingposition.
 9. A sheet sorting device for delivering sheets in successionto a plurality of spaced receiver stations comprising; a conveyor formoving sheets in succession along a course opposite the receiverstations, deflector units opposite each receiver station and adjacentthe conveyor, each deflector unit comprising a rotatably mounted shaftextending essentially transverse to its associated receiver station, anda plurality of deflector fingers mounted at spaced intervals on theshaft, mounting means including a frame rotatably mounting each saiddeflector units for movement of its deflector fingers between a firstdeflecting position in the path of the moving sheets being conveyedalong the conveyor to deflect a moving sheet into the receiver stationassociated therewith and a second non-deflecting position permitting asubsequent moving sheet to bypass the receiver station and strike thedeflector finger of the deflector unit of the successive station, saidmounting means mounting the deflector units such that, upon impact of amoving sheet against the associated deflector fingers, sufficientmomentum is imparted thereto to initiate movement thereof to the secondposition, assist means comprising a first magnet mounted on the shaftand a second magnet mounted on said frame, said first and second magnetsbeing located closely adjacent to each other with their poles ofattraction a sufficient distance apart so as to be inoperative when thedeflector fingers are in the deflecting position and spaced such that,on rotation of the deflector finger from the deflecting position towardthe non-deflecting position caused by impact of the moving sheet againstthe deflector fingers, magnetic attraction provides a positive force toassist continued movement of the deflector fingers to the non-deflectingposition, reset means to reset selected ones of said deflector unitsfrom the non-deflecting position to the deflecting position, and controlmeans for operating said reset means, said control means includingsensing means for sensing the passage of a shEet into a selected one ofthe stations and operatively connected to activate the reset means. 10.A sheet sorting device for delivering sheets in succession to aplurality of spaced receiver stations comprising; a sheet conveyor meansfor moving sheets along a course of travel opposite said receiversations, deflector units located in said course of travel associatedwith each receiver station, mounting means mounting each deflector unitfor movement between a deflecting position in the path of the movingsheets along the course of travel to deflect the sheets into thereceiver station associated therewith and a position away from the pathof the moving sheets to permit passage thereof to a subsequent receiverstation, said mounting means including magnetic means associated witheach deflector unit and providing an attractive force sufficient to movethe deflector unit to the non-deflecting position only after themomentum of a moving sheet striking the deflector unit overcomes theinertia of the unit, and means to reset selected ones of the deflectorunits from the non-deflecting position to the deflecting position. 11.The sheet sorting device of claim 10 including; control means foroperating said reset means, said control means including sensing meansfor sensing the passage of a sheet into a selected one of the stationsand operatively connected to activate the reset means.
 12. In a sheetsorting device having conveyor means for moving sheets along a course oftravel and delivering said sheets to a receiver station, sheetdeflection means comprising; a deflector unit located in said course oftravel associated with said receiver station, mounting means mountingsaid deflector unit for movement between a deflecting position in thepath of the moving sheets to deflect a sheet into the receiver stationassociated therewith, and a position away from the path of the movingsheets to permit passage thereof, magnetic means associated with saidmounting means and said deflector unit and providing an attractive forcesufficient to move the deflector unit to the nondeflecting position onlyafter the momentum of a moving sheet overcomes the inertia of the unit.13. In a sheet sorting device having conveyor means for moving sheetsalong a course of travel and delivering said sheets to a receiverstation, sheet deflection means comprising; a deflector unit located insaid course of travel associated with said receiver station, mountingmeans mounting said deflector unit for movement between a deflectingposition in the path of the moving sheets to deflect a sheet into thereceiver station associated therewith and a position away from the pathof the moving sheets to permit passage thereof, means associated withsaid deflector unit to provide a positive force assisting movement tothe deflector unit from the deflecting position to the non-deflectingposition only after the momentum of a moving sheet striking thedeflector unit overcomes the inertia of the unit to start it moving tothe non-deflecting position.